Libby Public School Series: Executive Functioning - Working Memory

-



Executive Functions are located in the frontal lobe. The frontal lobe has an important role in the emotional self regulation, and executive functions. Executive functioning start to develop early on in life and continues to develop into the mid twenties. Children with weak and or delayed executive functioning can present with an array of challenges in the areas of self regulation, social emotional skills and executive skills ( Attention, Emotional Regulation, Flexibility, Inhibitory control, Initiation, Organization, Planning, Self Monitoring,(Working Memory).

Working Memory
Working memory is the ability of  the brain to hold onto information long enough to complete a task. An example would be looking up a phone number, remembering it long enough to  you dial the number. In the working memory system information is managed, manipulated and transformed. 

 When having trouble with working memory you are not able to hold onto enough pertinent information to complete tasks effectively and efficiently.
  • Difficulties remembering facts and procedures
  • Slow retrieval of information
  • Not able to follow directions despite repeated instruction
  • Poor attention to detail
  • Place keeping errors, loosing track of steps within a process
  • Difficulties with self initiation
  • Difficulties staying on task
  • Lose track of belonging

Strategies that can be used to accommodate for working memory difficulties;
  •  Directions: Give short and explicit directions, use patterns and routines to guide returning activities e.g. always present material in the same manner building routines, this will allow the student to focus on the material and less on the process. 
  • Check and re-Check for understanding; When you give your child directions, how do you know if they understood what you are requesting. Be aware that the more and complex  steps and directions  increase the demand on working memory.  If you want to know if the child understands have them tell you the expectation in their own words. 
  • Chunking of Assignments; short sessions and assignments offered and completed more often appear to be more effective. Complete tasks with the focus on learning and comprehension rather than quantity of completed work. Multiple repetition my be needed to learn, however once the student has a skill mastered move on. 
  • Visual Schedule/Planner; The schedule is guiding what needs to be done. . It provides a visual aid of the structure and the transitions. It can help by decreasing the demand on working memory by guiding the steps that need to be followed and thus keeping the student on track
  • Reduce the amount of work to be completed: quality over quantity, skill based
  • Learning needs to have meaning and context: for instance the use of examples that related to daily life may be easier to remember than abstract concepts.
  • Provide information in multiple ways: Visual, Verbal, Hands on
  • Graphic Organizers; for example a  KWL Chart; What I know, What I want to know, What I learned This is a tool that can be used for learning and staying organized while working through an assignment. Of course the system needs to be taught first but once the student knows how to use it, it can help them be more independent with their assignments. The chart, keeps the focus on the learning objective, helps to generate questions and connect previous knowledge to what they are learning.
Finally some examples of games and activities that can help strengthen your child's working memory. Have some fun digging out the classics


  • Memory, the game uses visual cues to remember
  • I am going on a trip and I take with me...... uses auditory
  • Card games; crazy 8, go fish, old maid
  • Games that promote connectivity and vocabulary such as scattegories
  • Active Reading; underline, highlight, make notes while reading



Related Links




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Handwriting: In Between the Lines

-
Image
  When learning how to write we usually start kids with their name on blank paper. For writing instruction though we want to use the lines from the start. Start large and over time move to only two lines to writing in between  smaller lined paper. Any lined paper can be turned into three line writing space (Two solid lines with a dotted line in the middle) The lines are a reference for: Start and finish of the letters Size difference between upper and lower case letters Placement on the line Visual for feedback on correct letter formation and placemen Related Links https://tools.atozteacherstuff.com/printable-handwriting-practice-worksheet-maker/ https://www.studenthandouts.com/handwriting-worksheets/
Read more

Handwriting Series: Magic C

-
Image
  There are many ways to teach handwriting. Years ago I was introduced to Handwriting Without Tears. This program uses a variety of means to teach handwriting. I like the language  used including the Magic C. This refers to the letter C as a starting letter for several other letters. Below I will show you how to write the letters using the magic c.  How to practice: Practice for short periods of time 5-10 minutes Make sure your child is seated comfortably with his/her feet on the floor Use a proper pencil grip   https://www.elsorourke.com/2020/10/pencil-grip.html Follow the following steps Write the letter to write in the air Model the letter to practice Trace the letter to practice (3-5 x)using the hat -belt -boot lines  Copy the letter to practice (3-5 x) Write the letter from memory (3-5 x) To practice handwriting you can use a variety of tools to make the letters such as crayons, pencils, markers, water paint, finger paint, or shaving cream. Next time...
Read more

"My Child Can't Write"

-
Image
  image from www. mountvernon.org By the time teenagers enter high school most of their assignments are done in a digital format. Writing as an adult may be limited to writing grocery lists and phone numbers. Handwriting is  still an integral part of school especially at the elementary level, however in comparison to reading and math instruction writing gets little attention these days. The ability to write is a stepping stone for further academic success by having a means to transfer thoughts and ideas into a written format. Handwriting used to be a skill taught and practiced, handwriting was an art.  There are many reasons that cause a child to struggle with handwriting. Research suggest that 5-27% of children in school struggle with handwriting in some way .  Understanding Handwriting Difficulties   Causes: Behavioral Handwriting is a trigger which can be associated with anxiety, low self esteem, perfectionism, not knowing what to do, seeking control Neurolog...
Read more